Cape Bunting
NameCape Bunting
Common NameCape Bunting
Scientific NameEmberiza capensis
FamilyEmberizidae
Wingspan (cm)22
Length (cm)16
Weight (g)23
Plumage DetailsAdults have a grey head with prominent black and white stripes: a white supercilium, a black lateral crown stripe, and a black malar stripe. The back is streaky brown, and the underparts are greyish-white. A distinctive rufous-chestnut patch is visible on the wing coverts.
Vocalization / CallIts song is a high-pitched, tinkling 'tsee-tsee-tsee-tsee', often delivered from a prominent perch. Calls include a sharp 'tsip' or 'chick' sound.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsdesert, grassland, mountain, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThe Cape Bunting is endemic to Southern Africa, primarily found in South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, and Botswana. It inhabits a variety of open, rocky, and scrubby environments.
Identifying FeaturesDistinctive black and white head stripes, Rufous-chestnut patch on wings, Grey head and underparts, Streaky brown back
Description
The Cape Bunting is a small, streaky passerine bird with a distinctive head pattern. It is typically found in rocky, arid, and semi-arid habitats across Southern Africa, often foraging on the ground for seeds and insects.
